Assistant County Attorney - Civil/Juvenile/Human Services

Assistant County Attorney - Civil/Juvenile/Human Services

Salary: $104,478.40 - $166,025.60 Annually Location: Mankato, MN Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2026-00011 Department: Attorneys Office Opening Date: 02/23/2026

Description: This position supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Attorney's Office in the promotion of justice and public safety through fair, effective, and efficient prosecuting of crime; to protect the children, families, and vulnerable in need; and to provide quality legal representation for Blue Earth County.

SALARY RANGE:

• Assistant County Attorney I: $50.23 - $70.37 Hourly
• Assistant County Attorney II: $56.97 - $79.82 Hourly
• Placement on salary schedule dependent upon qualifications.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs County Attorney duties.
• Pursuant to M.S.388.10, each Assistant County Attorney shall have the same duties and be subject to the same liabilities as the County Attorney.
• Practices law and performs statutory duties and tasks as assigned by the County Attorney in a professional manner in keeping with the high expectations bestowed upon them with a public office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Drafts basic and moderately complex contracts, memoranda, ordinances, conveyances, agreements, resolutions, legislation, and other documents which establish legal rights of Blue Earth County.

• Confers with and, under supervision, advises County and other officers, departments, employees and representatives on litigation and legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, liabilities, and obligations.

• Advises County Departments and law enforcement.

• Reviews requests for advice from county departments, or law enforcement agencies.

• Researches statutes, administrative rules, and court cases to determine appropriate response.

• Consults with supervisors regarding appropriate advice or alternatives.

• Prepares memorandums with supporting documentation to advise agency or respond orally, documenting response.

• Participates in meetings with Human Service staff.

• Provides training to county regarding law and procedures.

• Prepares cases for court.

• Researches relevant legal issues.

• Reviews reports, exhibits and other evidence.

• Meets with witnesses to review testimony.

• Prepares legal memoranda and exhibits.

• Prepares oral arguments.

• Outlines and organizes the order of witnesses and evidence to be presented.

• Determines relevance of evidence or testimony.

• Evaluates strengths or weaknesses of witnesses presentation.

• Appears in court.

• Transports, organizes, and sets up files, exhibits, etc.

• Meets with counsel and presiding officer to discuss unresolved issues and court procedures.

• Appears for pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate court proceedings.

• Conducts jury selection, delivers opening statements, conducts direct and cross-examination of witnesses and presents closing arguments.

• Offers exhibits, documents, real evidence, etc. into evidence.

• Makes appropriate and timely objections.

• Reviews police and social worker reports.

• Reviews delinquency, paternity, commitment, guardianship, and conservatorship referrals.

• Determines appropriate legal action.

• Drafts petitions, complaints, and other appropriate pleadings, including Children in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS) petitions, paternities and non-support petitions, commitment petitions, welfare fraud complaints, and juvenile petitions.

• Reviews and approves juvenile citations, child support pleadings for expedited child support process.

• Determines if jurisdiction and probable cause exists for requested action.

• Determines level, type of charges appropriate, essential witnesses, physical evidence and refers to other agencies as needed.

• Drafts appellate documents.

• Administers all day care and welfare appeals.

• Reviews referrals of administrative appeals; conducts legal research and prepares appropriate documentation, letter briefs, and formal briefs.

• Prepares for and attends all related proceedings.

• Decides issues to address, performs legal research and determines relevant case law and statutory construction.

• Drafts briefs, memoranda, etc., and presents appropriate argument orally.

• Responds orally to any concerns or questions of the judge.

• Communicates with victims and advocates.

• Listens to concerns and questions of victim.

• Decides role of victim regarding the legal situation.

• Consider victim input regarding the case.

• Prepares the victim for possible testimony and what to expect.

• Negotiates settlements as appropriate.

• Seeks victim input in determining an outcome of cases short of trial.

• Evaluates strengths and weaknesses of cases in light of evidence.

• Makes judgments regarding plea options consistent with the interests of justice.

• Discusses issues with defense attorney and probation agents.

• Presents and justifies a negotiated plea to the Judge in open court.

• Responds to public inquiry/public education.

• Determines what information may be released under the Data Practices Act.

• Determines if said action is within the duties of the County Attorney.

• Determines if referral to another group is required.

Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.

• Interacts positively with internal and external customers.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Evaluates physical evidence.
• Inspects official records and documents such as photos and statements for authenticity.
• Interviews parties for chain of events and evaluates strengths and weaknesses of case.
• Visits sites relevant to case to determine if judge/jurys presence is needed.
• Participates in professional staff development.
• Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency.
• Attends and participates in professional organizations.
• Reads appropriate journals and articles.
• Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.
• Attends staff and other required meetings.
• Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Assistant County Attorney I: Juris Doctorate, admission to practice law in Minnesota, or admitted within six (6) months from the date of appointment.
• Assistant County Attorney II: Juris Doctorate, admission to practice law in Minnesota, or admitted within six (6) months from the date of appointment.
• At least five (5) years of experience in civil law, human services, and/or juvenile delinquency.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• County Government knowledge and experience.
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must possess a valid drivers license with the ability to drive in the state of Minnesota.
• Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non-public data.
• Access to non-public data should be strictly limited to what is necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
• While accessing these data, the employee should take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related reason.
• Once the work-related purpose is complete, non-public data must be securely stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

HOURS OF WORK:

• This position may be hybrid and be performed both on-site at the Blue Earth County Justice Center and remote as job duties permit.
• Work hours are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• This position may require additional, evening and weekend hours.
• The position is eligible for a flexible summer work schedule.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• AFSCME, No. 65 - Assistant County Attorneys
• The County of Blue Earth provides a comprehensive, balanced, competitive total compensation package.
• The Countys benefit programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or dependent care assistance, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings.
• Benefits begin upon date of hire.

Benefits:

• Regular, Full-Time Employee:
• Wage/Salary Scale: Blue Earth County features a 12-Step Pay Plan. Our advertised salary ranges include all 12 Steps. A selected candidate will typically be offered Step 1 of the salary range. Additional salary considerations are subject to negotiation and dependent on skills and experience directly related to the position.
• Vacation Leave:
• Vacation accruals, utilization, and payouts are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement and/or the employee handbook.
• Blue Earth County Years of Service Bi-Weekly Accrual Rate:
• 0 - 5 years - 3.85 hours
• 6 - 9 years - 4.77 hours
• 10 - 13 years - 5.69 hours
• 14 - 18 years - 6.62 hours
• 19 - 24 years - 7.54 hours
• 25 + years - 8.46 hours
• Sick Leave:
• Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of eight (8) hours for each full month of service.
• Paid Holidays:
• Blue Earth County recognizes 11 (88 hours) paid holidays.
• Health Insurance:
• Employees may choose from 3-health insurance plans and either single or family coverage. Insurance Rates (Monthly) - Effective: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
• Plan 1: CMM $0 Deductible
• Employee: Single - $137.19 / Family - $1,209.49
• Employer: Single - $1,234.66 / Family - $2,822.16
• Plan 2: CMM $300 Deductible
• Employee: Single - $1.04 / Family - $809.38
• Employer: Single - $